R&D Engineering, Director
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Key skills for this role
About the Role
Synopsys is seeking an R&D Engineering Director to lead global Zemax R&D teams in delivering next-gen optics simulation features and modernizing the platform. The role requires 12+ years of experience with 6+ years managing software teams, and a proven record of delivering commercial software products.
Key Skills for This Role
Responsibilities
- Guide Zemax R&D teams in Canada, USA, and the UK to deliver features and modernize the platform
- Set and drive department goals, balancing delivery on the product charter with codebase maintenance and continuous improvement
- Oversee delivery of next gen features that keep Zemax leading in optics simulation
- Drive modernization initiatives for Zemax, evolving legacy code and architecture
- Champion Agile software development practices, providing oversight on implementation
- Work closely with Product Management to build, prioritize, and communicate the roadmap
- Present product direction, progress, and vision to Customer Advisory Boards and executive stakeholders
- Oversee resource allocation, staffing, and compensation planning for your teams
Requirements
- BS in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 12 years experience (or MS with 10, PhD with 8)
- 6+ years managing software teams
- Proven record of delivering commercial software products
- Experience with Agile development and legacy code modernization
- Able to connect technical decisions to business impact
Full Job Posting
We Are
- Synopsys is the leader in engineering solutions from silicon to systems, enabling customers to rapidly innovate AI powered products.
You Are
- You are an experienced software engineering leader who knows how to help teams deliver meaningful product innovation while strengthening foundations.
- You are energized by leading teams through complexity—balancing new feature development, legacy code modernization, and shifting business priorities.
- You can connect Zemax’s product vision to customer needs, business goals, and technical execution.
What You'll Be Doing
- Guide Zemax R&D teams in Canada, USA, and the UK to deliver features and modernize the platform.
- Set and drive department goals, balancing delivery on the product charter with codebase maintenance and continuous improvement in developer productivity.
- Oversee delivery of next gen features that keep Zemax leading in optics simulation.
- Drive modernization initiatives for Zemax, evolving legacy code and architecture to support next generation features and scale.
- Champion Agile software development practices, providing oversight on implementation and adapting processes where needed.
- Work closely with Product Management to build, prioritize, and communicate the roadmap.
- Present product direction, progress, and vision to Customer Advisory Boards, Technical Review Meetings, and executive stakeholders.
- Oversee resource allocation, staffing, and compensation planning for your teams.
What You'll Need
- BS in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 12 years’ experience (or MS with 10, PhD with 8).
- 6+ years managing software teams.
- Proven record of delivering commercial software products.
- Experience with Agile development and legacy code modernization.
- Able to connect technical decisions to business impact.
- Zemax or optics simulation experience is a plus.
Who You Are
- You can explain a complex technical tradeoff to a customer or executive in plain language.
- You see and fix problems early, not after they escalate.
- You value team trust, openness, and accountability.
- You thrive on cross team alignment, finding ways to standardize and share.
- You mentor managers, not just engineers, and you are intentional about growing future leaders.
The Team You'll Be Part Of
- You will lead a global Zemax R&D team with members based in Canada, US, and UK.
Rewards and Benefits
- We offer a comprehensive range of health, wellness, and financial benefits.
- Your recruiter will provide more details about the salary range and benefits during the hiring process.
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